Artemisia arborescens 'Powis Castle'

Wormwood

Description:

♦ Zones:  6 - 9     Height:  24 - 36"     Exposure:  Full Sun ♦

'Powis Castle' is a bushy, woody-based perennial or subshrub which is grown for its aromatic silvery foliage. It rarely flowers. Foliage is finely divided and feathery in appearance. Typically grows in a shrubby mound, but spreads by underground rhizomes. Essentially evergreen in warm winter climates. It is most likely a hybrid (Artemisia arborescens x Artemisia absinthium).  Best grown in poor to moderately fertile, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Excellent soil drainage is essential for growing this plant well. Does poorly in moist to wet soils where plants are susceptible to root rot. Plant stems tend to lodge (fall) in the summer, especially if grown in fertile soils and/or part shade. General foliage decline often occurs in high humidity summer climates.  Prune plants in spring to control growth, but be careful to leave sufficient numbers of live buds on each stem to facilitate bushy growth. Never prune stems to the ground. Foliage may also be lightly sheared in summer to shape, but avoid pruning in fall.   Plants tend to open up in summer. Susceptible to root rot in moist soils, particularly poorly drained ones. Watch for rhizomatous spread.  Silver foliage provides excellent contrast to flowering plants and green foliage in borders and herb gardens. Good selection for areas with poor dry soils.

USDA Hardiness Zone: